Pride of the South
The Ole Miss Marching Band is the heart of team spirit wherever they go, bringing the energy and sounds of Rebel gamedays on the road and at home.
Pride of the South
Marching Percussion
The Ole Miss Drumline is a very special part of Pride of the South, featuring some of the best drummers from Mississippi and across the country. On most afternoons in the fall semester, the drumline can be seen outdoors around the music building (and heard across campus) working on their grooves. Our drummers are very dedicated to their work, taking their role with the Pride of the South very seriously; they are typically the first to begin and the last to leave band practice. They are featured at each Ole Miss home football game on the grove stage right before the Pride of the South grove pep rally and have been showcased on ESPN’s College Gameday and SEC Network’s game-day tv program SEC Nation. The Ole Miss Drumline is sponsored by Pearl Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Drumsticks, and Remo Drumheads.
Color Guard
Pride of the South Color Guard was formed in 1981 with 22 members. Today, the Guard consists of around 30 talented individuals who use a variety of equipment to add color, movement, and excitement to the Ole Miss Marching Band’s performances. Members work diligently throughout the fall semester to perfect challenging pre-game and halftime routines using modern dance, flag, and rifle choreography. They perform in front of thousands of Ole Miss fans at home, as well as select away games and bowl games. In addition to performing on the field, the members of the Color Guard also cheer on the Rebel football team with a variety of cheer and pom routines in the stands alongside their fellow band members.
Feature Twirlers
The Ole Miss Feature Twirlers have been an integral component of the Ole Miss Marching Band for decades. They bring excitement and a visual flare that is stunning and brilliant. Our feature twirlers are among the best in the world, and have competed and performed at the highest levels. The feature twirlers boast their skills on game days at Ole Miss during the band’s pregame and halftime shows. The feature twirlers also can be seen during parades and other events.
A New Era of Excellence
The Pride of the South marching band practices on its new outdoor class room/practice field completed in August, 2023.
We are thrilled to announce the completion of our new $5.4 million practice facility, a replica of Hollingsworth Field at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. This state-of-the-art field, equipped with a director’s tower, drainage structures, lights, and more, promises to enhance our preparation and performances by providing a space that mirrors our gameday environment.
Dedicated by Chancellor Glenn Boyce on August 29, 2023, this facility represents a significant investment in our 300-plus talented members, thanks to the generosity of numerous donors whose combined gifts totaled $330,000:
- Susan and Dr. Brett R. Bartlett of Oxford
- Kirsten and Ryan Hill of Sachse, Texas
- Linda and Alex MacCormack of Tampa, Florida
- Diane and Steve McKinney of Hoover, Alabama
- Helen Overstreet of Oxford
- Risa and Sumner Spradling of Browns Summit, North Carolina
- The estate of Cora Mitchell of DeKalb
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Watch Past Performances
Experience the incredible talent and spirit of the Pride of the South Marching Band. Check out our YouTube channel for a collection of memorable shows and highlights from recent years.
Ole Miss Band YouTube
Hear the Pride of the South
Forward Rebels (Rebel March)
"Forward Rebels," also known as "Rebel March," is the fight song for our school. It is played by the Pride of the South, at official university sporting events.
Alma Mater
The alma mater of the University of Mississippi was written in 1925 by A.W. Kahle and her husband, W.F. Kahle. It has been played and sung at athletic events, commencement ceremonies, the inauguration of chancellors, funerals and memorials, class reunions and other special events. When the alma mater is played, it warrants an attitude of respect.
I Saw the Light
Hype Chorale Warm-Up
Pride of the South Auxiliary Personnel
Marching Percussion Instructor/Arranger
Mason Atkins
Olive Branch, MS
Mason instructs the marching percussion component of the University of Mississippi Marching Band. He graduated from Auburn University with his Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences and from the University of Mississippi with his second Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Exercise Science. Over the course of his marching arts career, he performed with ensembles such as the Auburn University Marching Band, the Academy Drum & Bugle Corps, and Q2. In addition to his role with the Pride of the South, Mason serves on educational staff for the Memphis Blues Drum & Bugle Corps, Q2, Lumière Winter Guard, and the Lewisburg High School Marching Band. He also consults and collaborates with various scholastic and independent groups across the Southeastern United States. Mason currently teaches chemistry at Lewisburg High School in Olive Branch, MS. When not in the classroom, in the lab, or in rehearsal, he enjoys yoga, reading, and training for whichever marathon is next on the calendar.
Color Guard Instructor/Choreographer
Madeline McKinney
Booneville, MS
Madeline is a graduate of Booneville High School and currently serves as the color guard instructor for the Pride of the South. She also works with the color guard at Lafayette High School in Oxford, MS, aiding in technical training and choreography for their fall and winter seasons. Madeline was a three-year member of the Mississippi Lions All-State Band. She later became a three-year member of the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps Color Guard. She was a staff member of the Southwind Drum & Bugle Corps in 2023.